Gregoire wants gas emissions tallied, tracked

Wondering how much greenhouse gas BP's Cherry Point oil refinery puffs into the air? What about the Huskies' contribution to climate change at the University of Washington's campuses?

Gov. Christine Gregoire wants to make those facts known, as the state wrestles with how to control its share of greenhouse gases widely blamed for helping cause global warming.

Gregoire on Monday announced a set of global-warming initiatives bound for the newly convened Legislature. The measures are aimed chiefly at creating a foundation for future attempts to regulate and reduce greenhouse gases.

Speaking at the headquarters of McKinstry Co., a Seattle-based firm with a division that makes buildings more energy-efficient, Gregoire said the legislation would keep Washington at the forefront of an issue that's a moral imperative and a business opportunity for companies like McKinstry.

"It's no longer just about goals," Gregoire said of her proposal. "It's about really making things happen."

A Republican lawmaker criticized the governor's plan for doing little, at least at first.

"Much like other Gregoire plans, nothing will actually be done until 2009 or beyond," said Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, the deputy Republican leader in the House.

But, he said, the delay "gives the state time to consider more balanced solutions that take into account not only our environment, but jobs, taxes and quality of life."

The centerpiece of Gregoire's plan is a requirement that major sources of greenhouse gases measure and report their emissions. It would apply to institutions with Washington operations that emit more than 10,000 tons of carbon per year, or with fleets of vehicles producing 2,500 tons per year — roughly 150 to 200 cars.

That move is considered a crucial prelude to regulations, because it helps pinpoint who's responsible for greenhouse gases.

The legislation also would direct state agencies to figure out how to hit targets put into law last year, which call for greenhouse gases in Washington to be cut to 1990 levels by 2020, with a final goal of 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

But lawmakers this year shouldn't expect the details of exactly how these cuts will happen.

That's partly because it hinges on unfinished talks between Washington, six other Western states and two Canadian provinces, which are trying to devise a common "cap-and-trade" system. The approach sets a limit on overall greenhouse-gas levels, while allowing businesses to buy and sell pollution credits to meet their individual targets.

A broad coalition of environmentalists and major businesses endorsed Gregoire's efforts. Weyerhaeuser, Alcoa and BP all said they supported Gregoire's approach. But Bill Kidd, a BP spokesman, cautioned that when it comes to future regulations, "the devil's in the details."

Environmentalists embraced her initiative, saying it would be a major priority as they lobby the Legislature.

K.C. Golden, of the Seattle-based group Climate Solutions, said the plan would help spur regional negotiations and commit Washington to follow through on its promises. "We're worried that without that we can debate till we're all blue in the face."

Warren Cornwall: 206-464-2311